When you decide to travel to a different country, you have to plan ahead of time. Traveling without any strategy and planning can hurt you in the long run. Here are some of the most common travel mistakes to avoid, so feel free to share your thoughts with us about your experience.
- Saving Money And Time Both
While saving money is important, it is more important to consider the worth that the saving gives you. If saving $5 is making you stand in a queue for hours to get a ticket for your favorite show, or if $10 is all you need to get a fast pass for your favorite rides, just go for it. Save the money somewhere. Particularly when you are with kids or elderly, you need to think more about time than money.
- Keeping The Latest Information In Hand
If you are doing some research on a place you are planning to visit, check if the information is relevant as of today or the time when you will be in that place. Some rules may keep changing; some places may be closed for renovation, while there may be routes that no longer exist. Get the latest copy of a comprehensive guidebook and keep it with you always. It will save you a lot of effort and time, and you can easily find all the information in one place.
- Not Going For Car Hire
Sometimes, you think you are saving money by using public transportation, but the truth is that you can go for cheap car hire and save a lot of time and money. It gives you the opportunity to see places that you would otherwise not be able to check.
- Skip The Unnecessary Queues
It is understood that all important tourist places will be crowded. You have to struggle through to get a glimpse before the next set of people start pouring in. But, wherever you have an option, skip the line and save time. Don’t wait for the queue to move faster and repent for not making it a better experience later. Check for online passes and tickets for popular attractions, that even offer discounts when you book early. Even if there is a fee associated, that’s worth it. The plan so you can cover more places without wasting time.
- Be Watchful And Alert
It is easy for a thief or a mugger to spot a tourist, and they can take you for a ride without you even knowing about it. To save the wrath, be alert and use your judgment to trust people. If you are going to take a cab, ask about the approximate price at the hotel itself.
There will be beggars on the street telling you emotional stories that will make you feel for them and shell out some money, but, beware they could just be scammers looking to steal your belongings while keeping you engrossed. Be extra careful with your passport, credit cards, cash and other valuables mainly at crowded places like bus stations, ticket counters, etc…
- Explore The City Rather Than Sticking To Popular Zones
Talk to the locals and find out more information about places of interest in the city. Other than the regular tourist spots, there will be super cool places to hang around that only locals who are living from a long time will know and appreciate. If you are looking for some quiet time with family, go to places that are not crowded and will have some exclusivity. If you do not know the local language, you can still search for blogs and experiences of travelers; there will be some who would have visited some unique places.
- Move Out Of Your Comfort Zone
There is only one life everyone has, and probably one chance to visit new places. Think of this vacation like the one you want to remember forever. Leave all your inhibitions behind and go for what you want to do and not what someone else will want you to do. Talk to locals, make friends on the go, connect with people, share your experiences and listen to theirs, make your trip life-like, do adventure sports, learn new languages. If you haven’t been to a bar, go for it and feel it. When you get the chance to explore, never miss it.
